Editing 1486: Vacuum
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | [[1240: Quantum Mechanics|According to quantum mechanics]] there is tremendous energy density in space-time itself: this is known as: {{w|vacuum energy}}, zero point energy, vacuum foam, etc. So far we don't know any way to tap into this energy. | + | [[1240: Quantum Mechanics|According to quantum mechanics]] there is tremendous energy density in space-time itself: this is known as: {{w|vacuum energy}}, zero point energy, vacuum foam, etc. So far we don't know any way to tap into this energy, although it does {{w|Hawking radiation|evaporate}} off {{w|black hole}}s in a process called {{w|Hawking Radiation}} (see the “What If?” released the same week as this comic: [http://what-if.xkcd.com/129/ Black Hole Moon]). |
In the cartoon, [[Beret Guy]] appears to be making a silly mistake, confusing the "vacuum" referred to in calculations of the theoretical energy density of space time with a {{w|vacuum cleaner}}, which is also commonly referred to as just a "vacuum". | In the cartoon, [[Beret Guy]] appears to be making a silly mistake, confusing the "vacuum" referred to in calculations of the theoretical energy density of space time with a {{w|vacuum cleaner}}, which is also commonly referred to as just a "vacuum". |